Abstract:

Field study has long been proven to enhance learning in geography and related subjects. In recent years, virtual field trips have gained popularity due to advances in technology, the rise of e­learning, and the shift in learning environments during the pandemic. This project explores how virtual field trips can enrich teaching and learning at both secondary and university levels. Two virtual field trip teaching and learning packages were developed using VR CAVE and ArcGIS StoryMaps, focusing on industrial development and heritage in the Greater Bay Area of China. These interactive tools support a range of subjects including geography, liberal studies, general studies, community studies, tourism, and heritage studies. Students played key roles as co­designers, guides, and participants, ensuring the packages are practical and engaging. The involvement of both pre-service and in-service geography teachers extends the project’s impact into real classrooms, helping to shape the future of blended learning in education.

Code:

T0279

Principal Project Supervisors:

• LIU, Shuwen Karen

Keywords provided by authors:

• Virtual fieldtrip
• Geographical education
• E-learning
• Blended learning
• Experiential learning

Start Date:

01 Nov 2023

End Date:

30 Apr 2025

Status:

Completed

Result:

The project successfully created two virtual field trip teaching and learning packages featuring the Former Kingway Brewery in Shenzhen and the Jiangmen Sugarcane Chemical Factory. Over 400 participants-including secondary teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students-took part in field trips, workshops, and learning activities. These included students from EdUHK, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Guangdong University of Technology, and Shenzhen Polytechnic University. Surveys and test results confirmed that virtual and blended field trips were effective for learning, with participants appreciating their flexibility, interactivity, and visual depth. Pre­service teachers designed their own virtual tours, while in-service teachers participated in demonstrations and provided feedback. Student co-designers were involved in building content using digital tools like VR CAVE and ArcGIS StoryMaps. The tools developed have been piloted, refined, and are now ready to be adopted across different educational settings.

Impact:

This project has expanded the way geography and related subjects can be taught by integrating technology into traditional field study practices. It has introduced university students to immersive learning experiences and digital tools that help them explore real-world places without leaving the classroom. Through collaboration with pre-service and in-service teachers, the project has built capacity for using virtual field trips in regular teaching. The outcomes were shared at professional events, including the Learning & Teaching Expo 2024 and seminars at EdUHK, reaching educators from across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. As a result, the project has promoted wider acceptance of e-learning and blended learning approaches, especially in heritage and geography education. Its influence continues to grow as the virtual field trip packages become available for classroom use, encouraging experiential learning that is interactive, accessible, and adaptable to future challenges in education.

Deliverables:

Seminars/ Presentations/ Sharing Sessions

Liu, K., & Cheung, N. (2024, 17 January). Training workshop: Creating VR CAVE virtual field trip using 360 Designer [Workshop presentation]. Education University of Hong Kong. (Number of participants: 12 students)

Liu, K. (2024, 13 December). The use of virtual and real field trips for blended learning [Conference presentation]. Learning and Teaching Expo 2024, Hong Kong.

劉淑雯（2025年3月22日）。城市足跡：消失的工業，留下的遺產〔圓桌會議分享〕。新亞研究所。

Liu, K. (2025, 7 April). Virtual explorations of the Greater Bay Area: Enhancing geography and interdisciplinary teaching with digital tools [Workshop presentation]. Education University of Hong Kong. (Number of participants: 10 students and staff members)

Liu, S. K. (2025, 9 April). Evaluate the learning effectiveness through the design and implementation of virtual and actual field trips in geography-related courses.  [Seminar presentation]. Education University of Hong Kong. (Number of participants: 6 students and staff members)

Teaching and Learning Resources/ Materials (including online resources)

Two virtual field trip teaching and learning packages

Financial Year:

2023-24

Type:

TDG